Caring for a Person with DS

The American Academy of Pediatrics has compiled a set of Down Syndrome Health Care Guidelines that help define standards of quality of care for individuals with Down syndrome. These guidelines provide comprehensive information about health concerns for people with Down syndrome at each stage of development, from birth through adulthood.

In addition to specific recommendations for screening tests, the guidelines include information about the kinds of medical conditions that individuals with Down syndrome are at risk for and suggestions for early intervention, diet and exercise, and other issues across the lifespan.